LIFESTYLE

3 days to royal wedding, Meghan Markle faces British racism

Published

7 years ago

May 16, 2018

FAB.NG

royal wedding, Meghan Markle faces British racism

Disparaging reactions to Prince Harry’s relationship with actress Meghan Markle have highlighted the racism and class snobbery that persist in British society.

The American will become the first person who identifies as biracial to join the upper echelons of the U.K.’s royal family when she marries Harry in May.

But some black women said coverage of the Los Angeles native’s roots by some media outlets is indicative of the underlying racism that they experience daily.

“I feel like racism in the U.K. is pretty insidious,” said Paula Akpan, a co-founder of Black Girl Festival which celebrates black British women. She added racism tended to be “not as openly acknowledged” as in the U.S.

Following the royal engagement, The Daily Mail publicized one of its stories with a tweet reading “from slaves to royalty, Meghan Markle’s upwardly mobile family.” Last year, the newspaper suggested that Markle was “(almost) straight outta Compton.”

Journalist Rachel Johnson, the sister of British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, last year wrote in The Mail on Sunday newspaper that Markle could help bring “rich and exotic DNA” to the royal family. She also described Markle’s mother as “a dreadlocked African-American lady from the wrong side of the tracks.”

The Spectator magazine this week questioned the “Suits” star’s suitability for Prince Harry because she is divorced and attended a Catholic school.

“Obviously, 70 years ago, Meghan Markle would have been the kind of woman the prince would have had for a mistress, not a wife,” a comment piece read.

“Racism is still alive and cooking here”

Harry last year took the highly unusual step of asking the media to stop the “wave of abuse and harassment” against Markle.

The prince cited a “smear” on the front page of a national newspaper, “racial undertones” of newspaper opinion pieces, and “outright sexism and racism of social media trolls.”

Akpan said she felt much of the objection to Markle was to do with her mixed background.

“We all know what you’re trying to say, spit it out, say it,” she said, citing “the quiet and unique brand of racism that takes place” in the U.K.

British comedian Gina Yashere, who is based in the U.S., said there is always an undercurrent of racism in society on both sides of the Atlantic.

“It’s more outward in America, not so much in England. In England they like to use sort of dog-whistling terms like exotic,” she told Britain’s Channel 4 News.

“She’s not exotic,” Yashere added, referring to Markle. “She’s not from a tribe in the Amazon. She’s American.”

Markle, whose mom is African-American and dad is white, has described herself as a “strong, confident mixed-race woman.”

Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff, deputy editor of gal-dem, an online magazine written by women of color, said she felt some U.K. press coverage betrayed how the British elite feel about people who look different to them.

“Britain is not in the grand scheme of things a multicultural country, especially compared to the States,” she said. “We’re very much a minority here and there is a lot of prejudice against black people.”

The number of black Britons living in the U.K. is relatively small. Three percent of the population in England and Wales identified as Black British, Black African or Caribbean, according to official data from the 2011 census. Only 2 percent of respondents identified as being of mixed ethnicity.

Meghan Markle

“I think a lot of people think we’re in a post-racial society but it certainly doesn’t feel that way for the black and brown people living here,” Brinkhurst-Cuff said. “Racism is still alive and cooking here.”

Akpan agreed. “Britain is still racist, it’s still very racist,” she said.

However, British commentator Afua Hirsch suggested that when Harry marries Markle it would “change Britain’s relationship with race” forever.

“Don’t underestimate the symbolism of a royal marriage,” she wrote in The Guardian this week.

“From now on, it will be impossible to argue that being black is somehow incompatible with being British.”

But while Akpan said she recognized the enormity of having a woman of color as a member of the royal family, she didn’t think it would have much bearing on black people living in the U.K.

“When we start unravelling everyday racism then we can talk about race relations moving forward,” she said. “People are ignoring that there is still so much work to be done.”

Reni Eddo-Lodge, the author of “Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race,” said the royal wedding shouldn’t be seen as a huge step forward.

“Markle is not Britain’s Obama moment,” she posted on Twitter. “Being chosen by a prince is not democracy.”

Akpan said she felt Markle’s “proximity to whiteness” made her more “palatable” to the royal family.

“As a dark-skinned woman … I’m still very much aware that if it was a woman who looked like me, would she have even been considered?” she asked.

Akpan and Brinkhurst-Cuff both don’t hold out much hope that Markle could significantly impact Britain’s race issues.

“You’re always setting up yourself for a bit of fall when you put expectations on one person of color, or woman of color, and expect them to be the redemption you’ve be waiting for,” Akpan said.

Credit: PM News

Related Topics:Meghan Markle Prince Harry Royal Wedding

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ENTERTAINMENT

Something About Nigeria Drains Your Excellence – Adekunle Gold

Published

12 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Reporter

Adekunle Gold on how Nigeria drains your excellence | fab.ng

Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold ignited widespread discussions online after openly expressing his frustrations with life in Nigeria.

On December 17, 2024, he took to X to share his thoughts, urging Nigerians to safeguard their passions. He emphasised that the challenges of living in Nigeria often leave people feeling emotionally and mentally drained.

He wrote,

“There’s just something about this place that drains your excellence. Striving for it here feels futile, as the environment pulls you down until you become just like everyone else. Whatever you do, guard your passion fiercely, be firm and never settle for less.”

There’s just something about this place that drains your excellence. Striving for it here feels futile, as the environment pulls you down until you become just like everyone else.

— BIG FISH 🦈 (@adekunleGOLD) December 17, 2024

The post resonated deeply with many Nigerians, prompting them to flood Adekunle Gold’s comment section with their opinions.

They shared personal stories and experiences, highlighting the challenges of living and pursuing success in Nigeria.

Read some of the comments below:

“Nigeria on a daily basis”

“They’ll tell you , speak positive things about Nigeria What is positive that I can’t enjoy as a citizen too? Is this the way we get treated outside? The place we call home isn’t feeling like home at all? Nothing works.”

“Well it’s the place we tap initial energy and renew strength. Diamond doesn’t do get excited in the fire. But it’s at best and it’s excellent on a pretty lady’s ring finger. That’s how I like to see this place. It’s not the best place to be but we’re usually better for it.”

“If AG with all his influence and connections dey feel am, no hope for you wey be regular man on the streets. You go kpai”

“If you way don attain some stage day complain,Wetin make we way never even know Wetin we wan do for our life day say. Just doing THIS and THAT,hopping from THIS to THAT, talent too choke confuse on what to base on while trying to ride safe. Omoooo”

“Naija tough gan and draining. Good things are happening for those who can’t but to join them.”

“AG, you gat the money, every available resources to leave the country. This country no be life we dey live inside so. Even rich people dey complain.. wetin person like me wan come talk? Naija failed US”

Check out more entertainment updates here.

ENTERTAINMENT

Toyosi Etim-Effiong Says She Doesn’t Trust Her Husband 100%

Published

13 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Reporter

Toyosi Etim-Effiong says she doesn't trust her husband 100 | fab.ng

Toyosi Etim-Effiong, the wife of Nigerian actor Daniel Etim-Effiong, recently stirred reactions by admitting that she does not completely trust her husband, even after seven years of marriage.

During the latest episode of her podcast, The Toyosi Podcast, where Daniel was invited as a guest, he directly asked her, “Do you trust me 100 percent after seven years of marriage?”

After carefully considering the question, Toyosi responded with a firm “No.” She emphasised that, although she trusts Daniel to remain committed to his vows, she also acknowledges that life is full of uncertainties and unpredictable circumstances.

Toyosi Etim-Effiong explained,

“Do I trust you a hundred percent? No, but I trust that you will always keep me in the loop. Maybe not ‘keep me in the loop. I’ve spent these years with you, I know you to a large extent and I’m getting to know you better. I think that you will do your absolute best to honour your vows and honour what we have. But I’m also aware that, I don’t want to say anything can happen, but things happen more or less. And I feel like if anything ever happens, I would know.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Tattle Room 🇳🇬 🌎 (@thetattleroomng)

The clip from the episode quickly went viral, sparking diverse reactions from social media users. Some viewers agreed, saying they understood Toyosi’s perspective, while others criticised the couple for sharing such a private moment online.

An Instagram user voiced her understanding, saying, “Her response in the interview is deep. Her emotions, facial expressions, and thoughtful pauses, coupled with her careful choice of words, speak volumes. I sincerely wish them all the best.”

“You can never trust someone 💯, you can lie to yourself that you do but it’s not possible, if 💯 trust is attainable, there won’t be jealousy, there won’t be fear of losing that person… as long as you married someone with value, someone you know that other people would do anything to have because they are good both financially and character wise, you will always have that fear of losing them and that fear is as a result of lacking trust and it’s normal… you just have to control your fear and trust them at least 75% for the sake of your inner peace,” said another person.

Another person voiced their disapproval of the content: “There’s no reason why this should be content. I’m very much against this sort of marital content. You’ll harm yourselves but to each their own.”

“U want to make content and hustle with sensitive private content creation that could spin off and probably mess you up if care is not taken..a good discussion but strictly away from public eye….lets be calming down,” another person warned.

Check out more updates here.

LIFESTYLE

How To Avoid Billing This December

Published

15 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

How To Avoid Billing In December | fab.ng

As a Nigerian adult, you understand that December isn’t merely a festive season—it’s the ultimate billing battlefield. In this case, knowing how to avoid billing this December can be your financial lifeline.

The month transforms into an elaborate financial obstacle course where every social engagement becomes a potential wallet-draining experience.

Picture this: you’re suddenly expected to match expensive aso-ebi for your partner’s distant cousin’s wedding, shell out cash for elaborate office hangout festivities, purchase thoughtful gifts for an extensive network of friends and family, grab concert tickets for the hottest “detty December” events, and somehow maintain some semblance of financial sanity.

Each commitment is strategically designed to empty your bank account, with Sapa waiting eagerly in the wings to completely demolish your January savings.

The universe seems to have conspired with social expectations to orchestrate a complex financial challenge, transforming December into an unofficial billing Olympics where your wallet is the primary competitor.

But here’s the good news: you can become a strategic “shege survivor” by mastering how to avoid billing this December with calculated precision and smart financial manoeuvres.

In this comprehensive survival guide, we’ll explore tactical approaches to navigate the treacherous December spending landscape, ensuring you emerge victorious without sacrificing your financial stability or social reputation. Prepare to become the ultimate December financial ninja!

1. Always Complain Like It’s Your Birthright

Nobody wants to bill someone who complains every five minutes. If you consistently make a point of complaining about your financial situation whenever you get the chance, the likelihood of being asked for money will drop drastically.

The only exception is if you have people around you who are heartless and completely audacious—if that’s the case, there’s a solution in step two.

2. Trade Your Flashy Phone for a ‘Torchlight’

Do you see that iPhone 14 Pro Max of yours? That big phone that attracts unnecessary attention? It’s essentially a billboard screaming, “I’m open for billing!”

To avoid billing, sell it and invest the money in preparing for next year’s challenges. No one will suspect you of being a “billionaire in transit” if you’re using a humble Nokia torchlight or an old-school TECNO phone.

Picture this: someone asking you for money while you’re holding a phone that looks like it belongs in 2003. They might even feel sorry for you and give you some spare change.

The goal here is to avoid billing by making it clear you’re not the person with deep pockets.

3. Buy Okrika Clothes

As the saying goes at the “Okrika” stores, “na mumu dey go boutique.” Avoid billing by steering clear of designer clothes that scream wealth and immediately mark you as a target for requests.

Instead, buy “Okrika” (secondhand) clothes and proudly share how much you paid when people compliment you. Tell them, “You won’t believe how much this outfit cost; it was just 500 Naira!” and make sure to add, “I’m making do with the little I have…”

This strategy helps position you as the king or queen of thrift, ensuring that nobody dares to ask you for money or extravagant contributions.

4. Avoid Calls Like a Pro

Screen all your calls, and be strategic about who you answer. The call from your cousin in the village? We both know it’s not “Merry Christmas” they’re about to say—it’s more likely “I need money for the New Year.”

To avoid billing, activate your Do Not Disturb (DND) mode and only return calls from people who won’t ask for a handout.

If you must respond, use WhatsApp messages so you can carefully craft your excuses without feeling pressured.

5. Go Solo: Break Up With Your Partner

Let’s be real—being in a relationship is one of the major sources of billing in December. To avoid billing and enjoy some peace of mind, consider going solo this season.

Enjoy your money without worrying about shared expenses, and enter the New Year without emotional or financial baggage. You deserve it!

When you want to avoid billing in December, it isn’t just about saving money—it’s about preserving your sanity and entering January without the financial hangover.

These strategies will help you avoid billing and ensure a peaceful, financially secure holiday season. When you’re sipping zobo in the comfort of your home instead of crying over debt recovery meetings, remember to thank me.

If you found these tips helpful and want more, visit here. And remember not to fall in love this December!